Investors show interest in railway transportation

 Alexander Sanga

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Rail Business and Investment Forum has managed to attract investors with some of them showing interest in investing in the

country’s railway transportation, especially in social service provision.

Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC)’s Director General Masanja Kadogosa revealed this on Wednesday at the closing of the two-day forum here in the city.

This comes as several construction projects of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) are ongoing, while the Dar es Salaam Morogoro SGR commuter train is set to start operation in July this year.

“It is true that in this two-day forum so far several investors have shown interest in investing in railways. There are investors we were working with such as Azania and Bakhresa but now other new investors have come and are willing to work with us,’’ he said.

He mentioned opportunities include investment in matters of construction of railway infrastructure, provision of operational services as well as real estate along the railways. He asked all stakeholders who wished to work with the corporation to show up in large numbers in sending applications and they will work on them.

On her side, Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule said the Government recognises the importance of the participation of the private sector in economic activities and the Government’s major task is to create an enabling environment for investment.

She added that the Sixth phase government under the leadership of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan will continue to ensure the presence of a friendly environment for investment and investors.

“On behalf of the Government, I would like to assure you that the Tanzania Railways Corporation will continue to manage, coordinate and ensure that the railway infrastructure is improved and all projects are completed on time,’’ She added.

Meanwhile, the College of Business Education (CBE) Mwanza Campus Dean of Students Mr Justine Urio said the college offers various courses of business studies whereby entrepreneurs and businessmen can join so that they can extend their knowledge on business.

He said the businessmen in the country need to know much about customer’s relations, operational management and sales.